To the sanctuary regulars who read this blog, you’ll be quite familiar with the story of Dusty. He was a long term cat resident at Sebastian House, arriving at a whopping 22 pounds and with a handful of additional medical problems to boot. He was a sanctuary favorite – a constant presence in the living room, always happy to snuggle up next to someone on the couch, or loudly meow at their feet. Occasionally he could be tempted to play with his favorite wire mouse toy. After living here for three years, he passed away peacefully after a sharp health decline. The volunteers who love him shared some of their many Dusty memories and photos. You can see the many lives he has touched during his stay. We will miss you, Dusty.
Dusty snoozing – from Michele G.
“Father Dust (my nick name for him) will be terribly missed. He took care of the kittens & new comers to the living room crew. Showed them ‘the ropes’ and all of the affection they would allow. God bless Dusty & OC.”
Alex
Dusty checking up on Cheetah after she comes back from the vet.
“Our dear, sweet Dusty. He was beyond sweet and loving. I’m was privileged to know him. He would greet me as well as others when we walked through the front door. He was a great uncle or grandpa to all the little kittens that spent time in his presence. He was also just a terrific cat to sit with while he slept. He was so loved…but we got so much more back. I have tears for him now, but there are so many memories that he will not be forgotten.”
Sheila
Dusty looking dashing in pink – taken by Paula.
“I’m so sorry to hear about Dusty. I got to visit with him on Saturday and it was clear his quality of life was going downhill. We will miss Uncle Dusty but as I told him on Saturday, he still has a special job to do – now he’ll get to keep an eye on Maisie’s kittens. 🙂
Thank you for keeping us updated, and thanks to you and all the staff for being there for our beloved sanctuary pals.”
Susannah
Showing off all the meanings of “husky.” Taken by Mandy.
“Thank you for sharing Dusty’s last moments with us. I wish I could have gone out to spend time with him before his passing. He will be missed. I know he was a part of Riley’s early days sharing his living room with those mischievous little ones. So sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in knowing how much you impacted his life in such a positive way. Even if he didn’t find his forever family he had a wonderful extended caring family of staff and volunteers.”
Lynne
Dusty spooning with Riley’s brother Chickpea.
“I know you must be in a lot of pain right now. I’m so sorry! Although I didn’t have much time with him, he was a sweet, sweet boy that I will miss so much! The living won’t be the same without him! Having said that, thank God for all of you and what everyone at OC does. You are all a marvel to me and I admire all of you so much! Thanks to all, Dusty had a happy, content life filled with love and compassion! None of us can ask for more than that.
I WILL MISS HIM GREATLY!!!”
Darcie
Dusty joins a Brownie troupe.
“How very sad I am right now to hear of Dusty’s passing. I know Dusty had a number of physical ailments over the past several years, but he always showed his grit against these challenges and I was not aware his health was currently in a downward spiral. Given the multiple issues he has had to fight off, and his senior age, it was probably inevitable his life was coming to a natural end.
Last month I brought two plush hearts in to the Sanctuary, and though I try not to have favorites among my feline charges :), the pink one was for Tabby and the red one for Dusty. I wanted to let our most senior residents know how still special they are to all of us.
I will definitely miss him.”
Barbara
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